An examination of alternative high school programs in selected districts on Long Islan

This study sought to answer two questions regarding alternative high school programs: (1) Who are alternative school students and what are the enrollment criteria? (2) To what extent is the alternative education program an "alternative" means through which students can meet local and state educational standards?;The frame work for this study was developed using the works of Gary Wehlage and his study on alternative school programs across the nation and the advocacy design center as discussed by Dr. Franks Smith. Through the use of the advocacy design center guidelines, three alternative school programs in Nassau County labeled Alternative school A, B and C were observed.;The researched visited and observed three alternative school programs. During this time, administrators, teacher and past students were interviewed and the finding documented. The advocacy design center advocates that institutions are divided into for main areas for examination purposes. These areas are instruction, organization, governance and accountability. This information was analyzed and several conclusions were drawn according to the advocacy design center model.;The alternative school students can be defined as student cannot function in the regular high school setting. Instruction, organization, accountability and governance in alternative school programs A and B can be defined as technical in nature and in contradiction to Wehlage views on instruction. Alternative school C in terms of instruction, organization, accountability and governance can be described a closely constructivist in nature.